The statement said the attack took place with surface-to-surface mid-range missile and comes in the context of the group’s "war on the interests of the crusaders" everywhere. The group also said the attack was an attempt to stop "the bleeding theft of Muslims’ gas and oil".

Norway-based Statoil said in a statement that the facility, located some 1,200 kilometres south of Algiers in the Sahara Desert, was "hit by explosive munitions fired from a distance" at approximately 6am local time (07:00 GMT).

The oil and gas company said it had been in touch with its three employees at the site, who were safe and not injured.

Army reinforcements have been sent to the area from other regions, local security officials said.